Post by 2nd Bat on Jul 30, 2014 13:41:40 GMT -5
There is some confusion amongs both reenactors and airsofters with regard to foxholes. They are. Often confused with fighting positions but in fact seldom served as such. Foxholes were dug fresh or added to almost every day while a soldier was "on the line". (Close proximity to the front). They were prepared as defense against INDIRECT Fire or air attack such as mortars, artillery or rocket attacks. Typically they were spaced in the locations where the troops would assemble at night. They were simply holes dug into the ground that a soldier (and perhaps his buddy) could jump into at the sound of incoming rounds. They were NOT designed as fighting positions to fire out of or arranged as a defensive line. These would be fighting positions which technically are different than fox holes. fox holes were often dug into reverse slopes or on the other side of stone walls, embankments, bocage or farmhouses without basements. Sometimes when shelling was intense and nearly continuous they were prepared with the intent that they would be sleeping quarters. Otherwise tents or makeshift quarters would be nearby. When sleeping in the foxhole itself, ponchos, shelter halves would be arranged to keep the rain out and raincoats would serve as ground cloth (if available).
The preperation of foxholes was a daily ritual for most Infantrymen. For both foxholes and fighting positions if in position long enough, overhead cover consisting of logs and dirt was added when possible. Fighting positions were prepared to create firing lanes and defense against both shelling and direct fire and these positions were more carefully tied into adjacent units. Fighting positions were usually two man positions and there were guidelines about their construction which included firing steps, grenade sumps. Camouflage and fields of fire with interlocking fires and careful location of key weapons. (machine guns and bazookas). Listening posts, observation posts were shallow holes well to the front of these positions.
Units often moved into areas previously occupied by both enemy forces and friendly units that had passed through and oftn moved into established locations to replace existing units. The foxholes (dug for the units in reserve) and fighting positions would then be occupied unless the commander was unhappy with their location. A large fighting position with overhead cover was often called a bunker. A deep tiny hole armpit deep and camouflage with the intent to be fought from was often called a spider hole and a long narrow trench to poop and pee into was called a slit trench. Obviously there is much inter mingling of these terms.
The preperation of foxholes was a daily ritual for most Infantrymen. For both foxholes and fighting positions if in position long enough, overhead cover consisting of logs and dirt was added when possible. Fighting positions were prepared to create firing lanes and defense against both shelling and direct fire and these positions were more carefully tied into adjacent units. Fighting positions were usually two man positions and there were guidelines about their construction which included firing steps, grenade sumps. Camouflage and fields of fire with interlocking fires and careful location of key weapons. (machine guns and bazookas). Listening posts, observation posts were shallow holes well to the front of these positions.
Units often moved into areas previously occupied by both enemy forces and friendly units that had passed through and oftn moved into established locations to replace existing units. The foxholes (dug for the units in reserve) and fighting positions would then be occupied unless the commander was unhappy with their location. A large fighting position with overhead cover was often called a bunker. A deep tiny hole armpit deep and camouflage with the intent to be fought from was often called a spider hole and a long narrow trench to poop and pee into was called a slit trench. Obviously there is much inter mingling of these terms.